The upcoming collaboration between pianist Ellis Marsalis and trumpeter Irvin Mayfield, "Love Songs, Ballads and Standards, " will be the first full-length release from Basin Street Records since Hurricane Katrina. Marsalis and Mayfield collaborate on material from The Beatles, Norah Jones, Stevie Wonder, Duke Ellington and Thelonious Monk, among others. The album's arrival marks Basin Street's 10th year of operation. The label also plans to release new albums by clarinetist Michael White, pianist Henry Butler and singer-songwriter Theresa Andersson in its anniversary year.

"Love Songs, Ballads and Standards" is scheduled for an April 1 release.

VARIETY SHOW ROCKERS

Looking to fill off nights with a different kind of creative outlet, Supagroup's Chris Lee and Dash Rip Rock's Bill Davis host "The Saint Variety Show" every Wednesday in March at The Saint, Lee's Lower Garden District watering hole. Each week, Lee, Davis, Rich Siegel, Chris Lane, Todd Voltz and featured comedians and musicians stage a series of comedic sketches in the intimate Saint. The decidedly low-budget "Saint Variety Show" is roughly modeled on "The Sonny & Cher Show, " says Lee. "It's full-on, Conan O'Brien ridiculousness, " including mock interviews conducted by Lee on a sofa. This Wednesday's musical guest is Luke Allen.

The Saint is at 961 St. Mary St.; call (504) 523-0050. Admission is free.

FATS A HERO

Louisiana native and political consultant James Carville attended Fats Domino's 80th birthday party Feb. 23 at Tipitina's. He presented Domino and the Tipitina's Foundation with the first Heroes of the Storm award from Friends of New Orleans, a Washington, D.C., nonprofit that advocates on behalf of south Louisiana.